Lakeshore Women Who Care Support Out on the Lakeshore

Out on the Lakeshore Exec Dir Jennifer Evans, center, talks with LWWC President Judy Graff (r)

At its March 13 meeting, the Allegan County Lakeshore Women Who Care selected Out on the Lakeshore (OOTL) to support with their $100/per person donations.

Out on the Lakeshore is a Holland-based non-profit 501c3 that supports LGBTQ+ through programs, advocacy, and education. Funds raised through Allegan County Lakeshore Women Who Care will cover the cost of one-hour therapy sessions to Allegan-county based LGBTQ+ through a new wellness initiative. Licensed professional therapists will provide mental health care through a Saugatuck/Douglas-based practice or via tele-health.

In speaking about the mission of Out on the Lakeshore, Executive Director Jennifer Evans outlined five ways OOTL impacts local residents: OOTL works to relate, celebrate, educate, advocate and collaborate. The wellness initiative will be promoted through their Youth Advisory Council as well as Gay and Straight Alliances at local high schools. The wellness initiative addresses the disproportionate rate of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts experienced by young LGBTQ+.

Allegan County Lakeshore Women Who Care member Sara Ruiter presented information about OOTL before Evans' presentation.

Other organizations represented at the March 13 meeting included Disability Network/Lakeshore, which provides advocacy and resources for individuals with disabilities, and CarePortal, an online portal that creates opportunities for churches and individuals to address needs of children and families in crisis in the community.

A lively session of Q&A followed each timed presentation.

Lakeshore Women Who Care meets quarterly. This meeting was held at the Saugatuck Woman's Club, 303 Butler St, as is the next, slated for Thursday June 12 at 5:30 pm. Third and Fourth Quarter meetings will take place at the Saugatuck Brewery Barrel room.

The Allegan County Lakeshore Women Who Care has a new Facebook page to serve its members, now numbering more than 70.